Paul Mitchell ’07

What a mercy it is that perfection is not a prerequisite to approach God and to contribute to the common good! Like much of God’s mercy, though, this opportunity for grace is not always embraced at first glance, especially when it applies to others.

When Jesus warmly approached Zacchaeus, the Pharisees, and in all probability, Jesus’ disciples, seemed to say, “Wait, this guy? What good could come from a chief tax collector?” Christ could see in Zaccheaus what others could not—his heart—and a remarkable generosity blossomed from the encounter with Jesus. Zacchaeus was filled with joy and restored to others the wealth he had accumulated in his life.

When my sister, Katie, and I published Sorin Starts a School: The Foundation of Notre Dame this year, many had similar questions about Fr. Edward Sorin: “Wait, why a book about this guy?”

From historical accounts, Fr. Sorin was not as saintly as one might expect. His motivations were decidedly complex, but what if we looked at his story through the eyes of Christ? Despite Fr. Sorin’s flaws, he also possessed a tremendous faith in God’s love. It was this faith that inspired his relentless energy to create a place to honor God and to serve God’s people.

On November 26, we will mark the 179th anniversary of the arrival of Fr. Sorin and seven Holy Cross Brothers to a snow-covered, barren place near South Bend, Indiana. We now know this place as the University of Notre Dame—a community whose grace has been tangibly felt in thousands of lives.

Let us approach Jesus today mindful of our weakness but expectant of his mercy. May this encounter liberate us for a wonderful generosity.